I was 11 years old when the Indian motorcycle market saw the birth of the Bajaj Pulsar. In fact, as 90s kids, we all remember the ‘Definitely Male’ advertisements on TV. You will instantly come to know how much enthusiasm that one motorcycle filled in those young minds. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the Pulsar 180 revolutionised the Indian motorcycling scene. So much so that some people still have their old Pulsar kept in tip-top condition in a corner of their garage and still ride them occasionally.
The classic Bajaj Pulsar received quite a few updates and added features as time progressed. From the ‘wolf eye’ headlamps to the analogue-digital instrument cluster to alloy wheels. The Bajaj Pulsar got a smaller sibling, the Pulsar 125, in 2019, and that one too sold in large numbers. Twenty-five years later, Bajaj Auto took to the drawing board once again and gave the Pulsars a much-needed update. An update that stays true to the silhouette of the original Pulsar, but it now brings several features that will keep the motorcycle alive and kicking for the years to come.
When I was assigned to ride the new Pulsars for the first time, I felt the 11-year-old boy in me jump with excitement. We had already covered its launch, but now it was time to test ride the OG, the GOAT, if I am allowed to say so. I too, had questions in my mind – after all these years, how would it actually be to ride and experience it? In this review, I will tell you all about the new Pulsar 150. Read on.
The first thing that I noticed is that the original silhouette of the Bajaj Pulsar has been preserved, both for the 150cc and 125cc variants, which look identical. However, moving in closer, I noticed the changes – a newly designed LED headlamp, front mudguard, tail section, side panels and the exhaust. Even the indicators now sport a new design. The switchgear too, has been updated. Keeping usability in mind, Bajaj has now given the Pulsars a choice of a 5-inch LCD or a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, which also carry connected features. And finally, the heart, a new 149.5cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. Buyers will also get a few colour options, but I was happy to see the white one with red graphics. Fit-and-finish levels are good, and that is something buyers will always appreciate.
In terms of cycle parts, Bajaj has now given the new Pulsar 150 a diamond-type frame where the engine sits as a stressed member. Bajaj says that the new frame is 20 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than the outgoing one. The rear twin shocks have now given way to a monoshock, while the front continues to employ telescopic forks. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch wheels and uses 260mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes as the stopping force. There is Glide Tech, which helps you crawl through traffic without having to use the clutch or throttle. This feature, in particular, is a lifesaver for daily commuters, and I can confirm that it works as intended to.
But the real revelation began only after I started riding it. Press the starter, and the engine quietly hums to life, thanks to the integrated starter generator in the top variants. The 149.5cc mill generates 14PS at 8,000 RPM and 14.1Nm at 6,500 RPM. Bajaj says that 85 percent of the torque is available at a mere 3,000 RPM, and with the first twist of the wrist, it was pretty clear to me. What surprised me is the new engine, which is refined and smooth. And so is the new 5-speed gearbox, which slots into place precisely. The engine is no slouch either and definitely does a good job of keeping the rider engaged while riding. Speeds up to 90kmph feel effortless, and despite a heavy hand, there was barely any protest from the engine.
While the engine does a good job of propelling the motorcycle, the new chassis makes it handle like a charm. The suspension is aptly tuned for comfort while giving you sporty appearances should you ride enthusiastically. The rear monoshock adds to the overall handling and feels communicative. Bad roads, potholes and bumps are swallowed with grace, and you end up having a comfortable ride. You can have the Pulsar 150 with split seats or a single one, and that makes it more versatile – a college student who wants sporty looks or a family man who has responsibilities and often carries his better half as a pillion.
Riding through traffic was a breeze, and the handling is quite impressive. Interestingly, the throttle response on the Bajaj Pulsar 150 is quite crisp. Bajaj has also added ride modes – Rain, Road and Sport, which alter the throttle inputs and deliver the power accordingly. Stopping power on the new Pulsar 150 felt adequate. There is single-channel ABS on offer too. However, the front brake lever felt spongy from the start, and I wish the bite was slightly more than what it offered. Definitely some room for improvement. But the overall experience left me amazed. It was clear that the Bajaj Pulsar 150 has evolved like a Pokémon over the years, but it still keeps the enthusiasm of the OG alive, and that, ladies and gentlemen, is a big thumbs up.
Twenty-five years of moving the people of India, the Pulsar 150 still continues to impress. It keeps the nostalgic silhouette alive while adapting modern tech and features to give its riders the ease of use. Besides, the new engine and gearbox deliver a smooth riding experience. The LCD variant of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 starts at ₹1.15 lakh, while the TFT variants start at ₹1.22 lakh ex-showroom. It is a type of motorcycle that you can ride daily and still not get bored of. That said, the Pulsar 150 does not only take a place in your garage, it lives in your heart too, rent-free.
Words Mrinmoy Choudhury
Photography Saidatta Naik, Tanmay Vartak
